The Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. 93 % are Melanesian, 4% Polynesian, and 1.5% Micronesian. In addition, small numbers of Europeans and Chinese are registered. About 120 vernacular languages are spoken.

Most people reside in small, widely dispersed settlements along the coasts.

The capital city of Honiara, situated on Guadalcanal, the largest island, has 54,600 inhabitants. The other principal towns are Gizo, Auki, and Kirakira.

Most Solomon Islanders are Christian, with the Anglican, Roman Catholic, South Seas Evangelical, and Seventh-day Adventist faiths predominating. About 5% of the population maintains traditional beliefs.

The chief characteristics of the traditional Melanesian social structure are:

• The practice of subsistence economy;
• The recognition of bonds of kinship, with important obligations extending beyond the immediate family group; local and clan loyalties far outweigh regional or national affiliations.
• Generally egalitarian relationships, emphasizing acquired rather than inherited status; and
• A strong attachment of the people to the land.

Most Solomon Islanders maintain this traditional social structure and find their roots in village life.
It's hard to believe that until the 1930s these friendly, easy-going islanders were considered to be among the world's most violent and dangerous people. Head-hunting, cannibalism and skull worship were central elements of traditional culture, and sacred skull shrines remain as macabre and fascinating reminders of the old days.

Unfortunately, more recently the Solomons developed a dangerous reputation following the period of ethnic conflict in 1999 and 2000. In the ensuing years Guadalcanal and - to a lesser extent – Malaita Province experienced a major breakdown in law and order. The deployment of a regional assistance mission quickly re-established law and order, and it's now perfectly safe to travel anywhere in the Solomons except for rural Guadalcanal…and even there you can get around if you have a guide or officer to lead the way.

Tatoo History. Māori mythology...

The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tatau". Captain James Cook used the word "tattow" when he witnessed tattooing for the first time in Tahiti, in 1769.

According to Māori mythology, tattooing commenced with a love affair between a young man by the name of Mataora (which means "Face of Vitality") and a young princess of the underworld by the name of Niwareka. One day however, Mataora beat Niwareka, and she left Mataroa, running back to her father's realm which was named "Uetonga".

Mataora, filled with guilt and heartbreak followed after his princess Niwareka. After many trials, and after overcoming numerous obstacles, Mataora eventually arrived at the realm of "Uetonga", but with his face paint messed and dirty after his voyage. Niwareka's family taunted and mocked Mataora for his bedraggled appearance. In his very humbled state, Mataora begged Niwareka for forgiveness, which she eventually accepted. Niwareka's father then offered to teach Mataora the art of tattooing, and at the same time Mataora also leant the art of Taniko - the plaiting of cloak borders in many colours.
According to archaeological evidence, tattooing came to New Zealand from Eastern Polynesian culture.

The bone chisels used for tattooing can be found in archaeological sites of various ages in New Zealand, as well as in some early Eastern Polynesian sites. Although the Māori practiced tattooing, there is no evidence that the Moriori people did.

In New Zealand, It is in the early sites that the widest chisel blades are found, and this lends evidence to the theory that there was possibly a preference towards rectilinear tattoo patterns in earlier times.

The head was considered the most sacred part of the body, and because tattooing caused blood to run the tattoo craftsmen, or "tohunga-ta-oko", were very tapu persons. All high-ranking Māori were tattooed, and those who went without tattoos were seen as persons of no social status.

Tattooing commenced at puberty, accompanied by many rites and rituals. In addition to making a warrior attractive to women, the tattoo practice marked both rites of passage and important events in a person's life.

Traditionally, Maori tattoos were carved into the skin using a small instrument made of albatross bone, and took months of careful, agonized planning. They were typically worn by men of high rank. Women who were tattooed were only allowed designs upon their lips, chin and nostrils. Today, however, the process of Ta Moko has become one of the most popular styles of ‘tribal’ tattooing. The designs associated with Maori tattoos have a definite aesthetic appeal, but to many people they mean a good deal more than that. They are often used as a symbol of cultural identity, and the designs used may represent things such as genealogy, history or even beauty (as full, blue hued lips have long been considered as the ‘ideal’ of female Maori beauty).

Modern Maori tattoos (especially in the west) have moved from the face to the body. Long, twining spiral designs that were once placed near the ears or cheeks are now placed along the arms or legs. However, many Maori people find exact replicas of their art insulting. For this reason, many people who are not affiliated with the Maoris prefer to use designs inspired, but not directly taken from, these traditional styles.

One way to separate the Maori tattoos, and what could possibly be an insulting western rendition is to use the striking spirals to create other symbols. For instance, rather than using the rounded and graceful spirals, you could make a squared off version, and create an interesting puzzle-like pattern. You could also use heavy lines and create a scene of waves, clouds, billowing winds, or even fire. Many people like to include reds and dark shades of blue into their designs; they will occasionally use orange and yellow as well if their patterns include things such as the sun, moon or stars. Metallic colors are generally used to produce weapon designs such as intricate knives, swords, or even throwing stars. Burgundy and purple can be used for a variety of spiraling flower blossoms.

Cook Islands Christmas

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean comprise 15 islands covering an area of about 240 square kilometers. The spectacular scenic views and the pristine natural grace of this region, make for an exotic location for the tourists. Every year quite a commendable amount of vacationers visit the Cook Islands for an exciting holiday.

The Cook Islands were established first by the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. The islands were given different names by various navigators. The Spanish sailor Alvaro de Mendana referred it as San Bernardo, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros called it Gente Hermosa, and later on the British navigator identified the islands with the name Hervey Islands. It was after him, that these islands derived the name of Cook Islands. It was in 1965, when the Cook Islands turned out to be a self-governing region. Albert Henry was the first Prime Minister of these islands.

Holidays in Cook Islands

The inhabitants of the Cook Islands enjoy several holidays all round the year. Some of the major events in these islands on which people get holidays include Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Constitution Day.

Cook Islands Christmas is enjoyed and celebrated by following several customs and traditions. The local Cook Islanders from other parts of the world return to their native place and join their families to observe and celebrate this eminent event. On the Eve of Christmas on the 24th December, the natives gather in the churches and cathedrals. They perform several religious rites. The Christmas mass is a significant part of this festival in the Cook Islands. The Midnight Mass is accompanied with hymns and chants and prayers dedicating and honoring the birth of Jesus.

Christmas in Cook Islands is celebrated in a traditional way. After the midnight mass gets over, the people wish and greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". On the Christmas Eve, people decorate the Christmas trees with lights, colored balls, candles, stars, bells and ribbons. The wreath made of holly is hung in front of the door. The leaves of the holly are regarded to be sacred. The streets, houses, shops and every nook and corner are adorned lavishly with lights.

25th December is the day for jubilations to mark Christmas, Cook Islands. People invite their friends and relatives for an elaborate and traditional Christmas dinner. It comprises turkey, ham and the very special Christmas pudding. People on the islands also prepare cakes and serve them with wine. Christmas in Cook Islands are also enjoyed further. Gifts are exchanged among the near and dear ones. Soft and light music including Christmas carols are played in the houses.

In the modern times, various resorts arrange for a lavish seafood spread. Parties are organized for the youngsters. Food, fun and music mark the Christmas in Cook Islands. various dance shows and live concerts are organized in the hotels and resorts. Various competitions related to music are held in at the hotels and resorts. There are lucrative prizes too for the winners.

Australia. Only Facts...

Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth.

In land area, Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population.

Apart from Antarctica, Australia is the driest continent. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought.

Australia has had one of the most outstanding economies of the world in recent years. As a high-growth, low-inflation, low interest rate economy, it is more vibrant than ever before. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market and a very competitive business sector.

Australia's culturally diverse society includes its Indigenous peoples and settlers from countries all around the world.

Immigration is an important feature of Australian society. Since 1945, over 6 million people from 200 countries have come to Australia as new settlers. Migrants have made a major contribution to shaping modern Australia. People born overseas make up almost one quarter of the total population.

The federal government sets immigration intake numbers on a yearly basis. Australia's immigration policies are non-discriminatory and all applicants to migrate must meet the same selection criteria.

Australia’s lifestyle reflects its mainly Western origins, but Australia is also a multicultural society which has been enriched by over six million settlers from almost 200 nations. Four out of ten Australians are migrants or the first-generation children of migrants, half of them from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Australia is the only nation to occupy an entire continent. Its land mass of nearly 7.7 million km2 is the flattest and (after Antarctica) driest of continents, yet it has extremes of climate and topography. There are rainforests and vast plains in the north, snowfields in the south east, desert in the centre and fertile croplands in the east, south and south west. About one third of the country lies in the tropics. Australia has a coastline of 36 735km.

Isolation of the Australian island-continent for 55 million years created a sanctuary for the flora and fauna. Marsupials were saved from competition with more highly developed mammals. Birds unique to Australia also survived, and distinctive trees and plants developed. Australia’s best-known animals are the kangaroo, koala, platypus and spiny anteater. Of more than 700 bird species listed in Australia, 400 - including the large, flightless emu - are found nowhere else. Australia has 20 000 species of plants, including living fossils such as the cycad palm and the grass tree, and brilliant wildflowers such as the waratah, Sturt’s desert pea, the flowering cones of banksia trees, and the red and green kangaroo paw. The continent has 700 species of acacia, which Australians call wattle, and 1200 species in the Myrtaceae family which includes eucalypts or gum trees.

New Zealand - a country of contrast and variety

A country of contrast and variety, New Zealand offers stunning landscapes and world-class attractions. With towering mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, thermal wonderlands, superb beaches and delightful cities, New Zealand has something for everyone.

New Zealand is famous for its magnificent natural beauty and outdoor attractions, and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do. Jasons now features video listings of accommodation and attractions in New Zealand. They give you in-depth previews of the fantastic experiences New Zealand has to offer.

Fish for trout and salmon in pristine rivers and lakes, walk on a mighty glacier, hike through the beautiful native bush, experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins, or dine among the vines in New Zealand's acclaimed wine regions. Whatever you choose to do, New Zealand has all the bases covered.

For the more adventurous, New Zealand has just about every adventure activity you can imagine, from rafting and canyoning to skydiving and mountaineering. You can kayak on a remote fiord, hit the slopes for a spot of heliskiing, take to the skies in a hot air balloon, or try one of the uniquely New Zealand adventures like zorbing or the famous bungy jump.

Places you might like to visit on your New Zealand travels include Fiordland, a World Heritage Area renowned for the magnificent Milford Sound; Northland's stunning Bay of Islands region; Rotorua and Taupo, at the heart of the North Island's famous thermal plateau; vast limestone caves at Waitomo; and the South Island's adventure capitals of Queenstown and Wanaka. Soak up some culture at the main centres of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, or sample the award-winning wines and gourmet produce of Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Gisborne, Nelson and Marlborough.

Jasons New Zealand Accommodation Guide has complete details of available accommodation options in New Zealand, whether you're looking for hotels, motels and motor lodges, camping and holiday parks, bed & breakfasts, apartments, backpackers, or resorts and lodges.

New Zealand's legendary beauty and unique wildlife are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. You'll find hundreds of parks, walkways, wildlife reserves and marine sanctuaries just waiting to be explored, and three magnificent World Heritage Areas that are home to some of the world's scenic jewels. Walk on the volcano where Lord of The Rings filming took place, cruise a remote fiord deep in the heart of Fiordland, fish for trout or salmon in pristine rivers and lakes, walk on a mighty river of ice or fly high above New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Adventure lovers can set their pulses racing with everything from mountaineering and heli-skiing to cave tubing, river sledging and tandem skydiving. Take the plunge on a bungy jump, race through dramatic glacial canyons on a jetboat, raft the rapids on our wild rivers or experience the thrill of swimming with the dolphins.

Of course, there are more leisurely ways to go exploring as well. You can head into the native bush on one of New Zealand's world-famous hiking tracks, enjoy a wildlife cruise or whalewatching tour, or soak away your stress in one of our natural thermal springs. Just as tempting are the superb food and wine trails – relaxing over a glass of wine and gourmet meal is the perfect way to break your travels. Wherever you travel in New Zealand, you’ll discover a world of beauty and adventure that will refresh your spirits.

Oceania & Food

Throughout the years, Oceania has remained true to its mission of supplying quality, wholesome and nutritious foods at the lowest possible prices, emphasizing organically grown foods. Organically grown means that food is grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Products carried at Oceana contain no artificial additives or chemical preservatives.

Oceania is the section of the world located in the Pacific oceans. It includes a number of different countries, as well as small volcanic islands that have no names. Some of the countries that reside in Oceania are Australia, Indonesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, and New Zealand.

Because there are so many different islands, each with a different culture inhabiting it, there is no one cuisine that is shared by them all. There are some common ingredients and spices that some of the islands share between them, but the dishes are extremely varied in flavor as well as texture.

Food in Australia

Because Australia was colonized by people from England most of their cuisine is based in that of Great Britain. There are plenty of meat pies, steaks -steak is a staple in the Australian diet and grilled chicken, often accompanied by vegetables. Some exotic meats like kangaroo, crocodile, or buffalo might also appear in an Australian menu. Seafood like mud crabs or yabbies (shrimp) are also well-liked. Australia major cities are on the coast, so they always have the freshest seafood. With such a huge range of fresh produce, Australia can boast of one of the finest cuisines in the world.

Eating outdoors is popular and most Australian houses would have barbecues. Aussies also share the British tradition of afternoon tea which consists mainly of sandwiches and cookies with tea or juice to drink.

In Australia there are a lot of immigrants -in the 50s they were from Italy and Greece, in the 70s it was Vietnam and Asia- so Australians appreciate a whole range of foods and are not averse to stealing from them all. In the 60's finding a packet of dried pasta in the supermarket was a thrill. Nowadays you can find arborio rice or Malay, Indian or Thai curry pastes in any small town supermarket. Italians brought their love of coffee with them, and in the past 15 years this has grown to be one of Australia’s biggest love affairs, black, strong coffee always with the cream floating on the top.

Food in New Zealand

Though there is a love for fish and chips inherited from British settlers, New Zealand cuisine -varied, young and fresh- it is relatively new in the world of food and this relative youth brings a willingness to experiment with dishes. Newly picked ingredients from its fertile farms and sea make it fresh. New Zealanders feel relaxed at meal times and meals progress slowly; that’s the way they like it.

Who does not know about New Zealand lamb? But there is also pork, venison, salmon, oysters, paua (abalone), mussels and some varieties of New Zealand clams, kumara (sweet potato) and kiwis. Kiwi cuisine would be New Zealand’s.

Many of the islands in Oceana that are close to Asia use rice and noodles, just as the Asian culture does. The starches are a staple in the diet, served with almost every meal. One dish that is popular is called nasi goreng. Nasi goreng is created when fried rice is mixed with other items. Sometimes the leftovers from the night before are thrown into the dish and it is served for breakfast. Chicken is also cooked frequently on the islands. Some islands spice the chicken up and grill it, while others make a type of chicken soup out of it. Many of the island chickens are allowed to run wild and are skinnier and have more muscles because of it.

Australian Marriage Traditions

Oceania basically refers to New Zealand and Australia, two of the liveliest countries full of excitements and attractions. Both Australia and New Zealand are British Commonwealth members. Many of the Oceania traditions of marriage are borrowed from Great Britain. With the stately traditions of Great Britain the wedding traditions of Oceania are colored with local colors and different flavors.

The Oceania traditions of marriage differ according to different lands. Australian marriage traditions are different from marriage traditions of New Zealand.

New Zealand has many luxirious marriage traditions. The marriage is held in the church replete with a bride wearing a white gown and bridesmaid dressed in nice dresses. The groom in New Zealand wears dark coat, white shirt and dark pants. The groom is assisted by his best man and the groomsmen. If the groom sees his bride before she walks down the aisle on the wedding day, it is believed to be bad luck in New Zealand. New Zealand marriage customs have incorporated many Maori customs. Being the native people of New Zealand, Maori have some great traditions and customs.

Australian Marriage Traditions

Australian wedding is splendid. The color of the dress in Australian wedding is white traditionally. White is the symbol of future joy and hope. In Australia, traditionally a keepsake Bible is gifted to the groom and bride. These marriage Bibles are treated as treasures and as family heirlooms, and travel from generation to generation.

As Australia is a British Commonwealth member, Australian marriages have many customs of Great Britain marriage traditions. Irish and Scottish weddings are also performed in Australia. The aboriginal customs of Australia make Australian marriages colorful and different. At the end of marriage ceremony in Australia, rings are exchanged. As in the world, the circular ring symbolizes the un-ending bond of love.

Music is an integral part of Australian wedding. Wide range of music is played in Australian weddings including bagpipes, American music and tradition English music. Aboriginal didgeridoo is also played in Australian wedding.

Maori Marriage Traditions

In Maori wedding traditions, the groom and the bride are welcomed with ceremony, known as Powhiri. This welcome often is inclusive of the traditional warrior challenge. After the marriage is conducted, the couple is blessed by a Maori Tribal leader. Maori flavored Oceania marriage traditions have “infinity loops”, which are placed around the necks of the groom and the bride, a symbol of their never-ending love.

Whatever are the marriage rituals and traditions the marriage ceremony is the time of celebration and joy. Oceania has its unique marriage traditions and celebration of the auspicious bond. Explore the different marriage traditions of Oceania and enrich your knowledge of marriage traditions around the world.

Pacific Islands or Oceania, the more than 25,000 islands and islets of 25 nations and territories spread over the western and central Pacific Ocean. Although the Pacific Islands are scattered across millions of square kilometers, their total land area is just 1,261,456 sq km (487,051 sq mi)—slightly larger than South Africa. The islands of New Guinea, New Zealand, and Hawaii constitute 93 % of the land area, while the remaining thousands of islands have a total land area of 89,339 sq km (34,494 sq mi). New Guinea, shared by the Indonesian province of Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) and the nation of Papua New Guinea, is the second largest island in the world, after Greenland. New Zealand’s South Island and North Island, Oceania’s next largest islands, are the world’s 12th and 14th largest islands, respectively.

Often referred to as the South Pacific, Oceania is one of the most diverse and fascinating areas on the planet encompassing Australia, New Zealand and the vast collection of volcanic island nations and coral atolls. This region between Asia and the Americas includes island nations as far flung as Tonga, French Polynesia and Fiji. Private islands for sale in Oceania are some of the most beautiful and remote places on Earth. Nothing resembles Eden more than a South Pacific island paradise. The Pacific’s volcanic history has created some amazing atolls completely removed from civilization, famous for their romantic island mentality.

The nations of Oceania have varying degrees of independence from their colonial powers and some have limited freehold properties available to foreigners, all subject to government approval and hefty paperwork. Fiji offers a few private islands and has seen a lot of resort development in recent times. French Polynesia, particularly Bora Bora's coral lagoon, offers freehold investment opportunities to foreigners, with some stipulations.